Chargers release injury-plagued defensive end Luis Castillo

Posted by Evan Silva on March 5, 2012, 4:41 PM EDT

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The Chargers announced Monday that they have released longtime defensive end Luis Castillo.

The former 28th overall pick in the draft, Castillo has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with San Diego. He was scheduled for a $3.9 million base salary and $1 million roster bonus, the latter of which was due right around the start of the free agency period.

Castillo suffered a broken left tibia in Week One of last season and missed the rest of the year. It’s possible the Chargers will look into re-signing Castillo at a lower rate later on.

A rookie in 2005, Castillo has played a full 16-game season just twice in his career. He’ll need to show he can pass teams’ medical exams in order to land another NFL contract.